Amid the rapid pace of modern development, pressure on Indonesia’s coastal ecosystems continues to intensify. Sea turtle protection has become one of the most urgent conservation agendas. As an archipelagic nation with the second-longest coastline in the world, Indonesia is a crucial nesting habitat for four of the world’s seven sea turtle species. However, poaching, habitat degradation, pollution, and climate change pose serious threats to the survival of these ancient animals.
Yayasan Penyu Indonesia (YPI) is committed to taking concrete actions to protect sea turtles and their habitats. At the end of 2025, we reflected on the year to evaluate and recap the various efforts carried out over the past twelve months. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all parties who have been involved and who have shared both the challenges and the rewards of conservation alongside us.
Sea Turtle Conservation in Natural Habitats
YPI’s sea turtle conservation efforts focus on protecting turtles in their natural habitats. Key activities include routine beach patrols, beach clean-ups, data collection, hatchery management, and the release of hatchlings in accordance with their natural life cycles. These activities were conducted across nine nesting beaches located in Sumatra and Kalimantan.
A total of 80 local community members were trained and empowered as sea turtle rangers. They serve as the frontline in turtle protection and monitoring efforts in the field. Community involvement is a crucial aspect of conservation, as it opens perspectives on sustainable economic alternatives while strengthening conservation roles and values at the local level.
Together with the rangers, YPI protected a total of 10,555 sea turtle nests. In addition to safeguarding natural nests, nest relocation to hatcheries or semi-natural incubation sites was carried out when nests were exposed to threats such as high waves, abrasion, erosion, or illegal poaching. Hatcheries were regularly monitored, particularly for nests nearing hatching age—approximately 65–70 days old. Healthy hatchlings that emerged were promptly released into the sea in accordance with their biological needs.
This year in Simeulue, Aceh, Yayasan Penyu Indonesia also installed satellite transmitters on two leatherback turtles to study their migration routes, feeding grounds, and critical habitats. The two turtles were named by the local community of Salang District as Putri Salang Simodede and Putri Daubatu. The transmitter installation was led by Meriussoni Zai (Program Director of Yayasan Penyu Indonesia) and Adhith Swaminathan (Scientific Advisor of Yayasan Penyu Indonesia). Throughout their migration, the journeys of these two turtles became one of the most anticipated updates among followers of Instagram @yayasanpenyu.
Education to Increase Public Awareness
Sea turtle protection cannot be carried out in isolation. The more people become aware and concerned, the stronger conservation efforts can be. For this reason, YPI runs educational programs to raise awareness among children, youth, and adults, using methods tailored to each age group.
The methods employed include storytelling, simulations, games, and educational adventures with children. For youth, more complex card and board games were developed. Meanwhile, the general public was actively engaged through outreach activities and open discussions. Throughout 2025, a total of 31 educational activities were conducted, involving 1,354 participants from various age groups.
Yayasan Penyu Indonesia also delivers a wide range of educational content about sea turtles through digital media to reach a broader audience. YPI’s presence across three social media platforms has brought together more than 19.8 thousand “Sahabat Penyu” (Friends of Turtles). They are not merely passive viewers; YPI’s content generated more than 90 thousand interactions in the form of likes, comments, reposts, and shares. Furthermore, dozens of online audience members became directly involved as volunteers in educational activities and public events with YPI.
Intergenerational literacy regarding sea turtle biology, life cycles, threats, and protection efforts is a key element in achieving sustainable conservation. Contributions in the form of time, energy, and financial support provide vital momentum and drive tangible impact. Through donation opportunities offered on the website and at public events, YPI raised a total of IDR 27,295,000 from Sahabat Penyu.
Capacity Building of Yayasan Penyu Indonesia Supported by the Darwin Initiative
The rangers and staff behind Yayasan Penyu Indonesia’s programs received capacity-building support from the Darwin Initiative. In 2025, the 2nd and 3rd Training of Trainers (ToT) sessions were held, providing participants with theoretical knowledge and in-depth technical experience from the Program Director and Scientific Advisor. Participants were prepared to become trainers themselves, enabling knowledge to be shared more widely and ensuring the continuity of the learning chain.
Through team-building activities and various conservation-related courses, YPI staff also strengthened their capacities in leadership, logical frameworks, work plan development, communication, advocacy, and the GESI (Gender Equality and Social Inclusion) approach.
Let Us Strengthen Collaboration!
The journey of sea turtle conservation is a long process filled with challenges. Pressure on coastal habitats, limited resources, and the impacts of global climate change are issues that must be faced collectively. However, collaboration, knowledge, and growing public concern form a strong foundation to keep hope alive.
Let us strengthen collaboration and maintain our shared commitment to continue moving forward and fighting for the survival of sea turtles in Indonesia—for today, tomorrow, and generations to come.
